Hi all, I am planning my staging yard for my new N Scale layout, and I am toying with the idea of using a sliding sector plate instead of points for the yard tracks. The main reason for this is to save on space, but also to save money. Check out this link :
This image shows how I am planning to setup the sector plate. There will be 4 of these, one at each end of 2 yards, one yard will be for my Up main [Northbound] and the Down main [Southbound] lines. The swinging section will be fixed to a pivoting board, with a short section of flexible track at the pivot point to allow a smooth bend. What are your thoughts? Is there anything I should do differently? Any ideas will be helpful. Thanks, Anthony.
What most folks consider a sector plate is the opposite of what you’ve posted (or maybe I am just not understanding your drawing). The staging tracks would be on the moving section in a typical sector plate, with the approach track fixed. Have you built anything like this before?
A few folks have done something like what you describe, but if you are thinking of making the movable track out of flex track, for example, note that the relative lengths of the two rails will change constantly for each track you try to align to. That could be a bit tricky and would require some significant engineering.
I’m not seeing how your planned pivot point will work – seems like that would create a very sharp curve in the track when aligned to the outside staging tracks. If it did work, it would likely need to be curved over a much longer length, near as I can tell.
Here is a more typical sector plate. All the staging tracks are on the section that moves to align with a fixed feeder track.
!(http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/data/AVRR-PA/2009919211128_Sector plate nearly done.JPG)
From this thread on another forum.
Best of luck.
I notice you posted on this same topic a couple years back. A that time, folks were telling you about sliding drawers, which is also a possibility, but still different from a sector plate. Again, the feed track would typically be fixed.
I agree with what Cuyama has said. That sector plate only needs one track on it if you are basically using it as an escape track for a locomotive. However, it can be made train length if you have the space. But I gather from the explanation that what you are trying to do
Re Cuyama, Sorry if I did not explain this very well, but it is the other way around to what you have shown. The sketch I attached is only a rough drawing to show what I was trying to explain. Also, I did take into consideration the sliding drawers from last time I posted this question, but the problem I have is limited space. If I could fit 2 drawers in I would do this, one drawer for the up and down main yards. Thanks maxman, this is more like what I am planning to build. It will still be a while befroe I start construction, but in the mean time I will try and refine this design. In the mean time, I will build a test peice to see if I can get it to work properly Cheers, Anthony.
Sector plates are commonly used in British “railway modeling” and actually not that difficult to construct. A search in British railway modeling forums will give you plenty of information on how to build a sector plate.
Take a look here
I think your system, as you depict, will work, but it will be fussy. First, you will need a long section of flex to avoid the very tight curve that Byron is worried you will experience at your pivot section. Additionally, you will need to keep it sweeping both a clean and a smooth surface so that you don’t get snagging [which will impart a different curve]. Finally, your various staging leads will have to be terminated carefully so that your sweeping flex end that meets those staging leads does so with minimal gaps. Will you rely on joiners to keep the flexed end securely aligned? If so, I don’t see it being very reliable.
Crandell
As everone else has mentioned, the connection between the end of the swinging arm and the fixed body tracks is the critical point for alignment. However, the rail ends don’t have to come within a few thousandths of an inch of touching. At the rather slow speeds appropriate for entering and leaving hidden yards, a gap of a millimeter or more can be allowed if the ends of the rails are beveled slightly.
To keep from collecting swing problems, the swing arm could be carried on a couple of spacers, one at the pivot and two side by side close to the free end. That would go a long way toward avoiding problems with junk interfering with the swing arm.
I would devise some kind of positive lock on the rail ends of the fixed track, interlocked with an electrical switch or switches. If the swing arm isn’t properly aligned, whether by a millimeter or a foot, the storage track should be electrically dead. If the switch is a DPDT, the other contacts could operate red and green LEDs for at-a-glance alignment/lock status. (There are a lot of ways to do this, some simpler than others.)
Actually, it’s a clever idea. I almost wish I could use it.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Real railroads used this idea in the 1800s. They are callef stub switchs. It.won’t be prototypical if exposed. I think if you try it with two tracks you will quickly abandon the idea.
I don’t see why with careful design and the right materials that it shouldn’t work. I would keep it more simple. If this area of the staging won’t be sceniced, the sector/ flexable track could just ride/ slide on a smooth roadbed like 1/4" styrene etc. A surface throwbar long enough for controls whether underlying or surface controled. “U” staples or some other means of holding the throwbar down while still maintaining tie clearance would be nec. Atlas flex would be the best to use in this case, it is probably the most springy yet durable track to use for constant movement. By not having a break @ the pivot the sector/ movable flex is powered right up to the assor
Things appear a lot more complicated than they are.
Take a look here